Biology

An exploration of biological issues and methods for nonmajors. Applying basic principles to modern problems, the course may focus on a theme such as evolution and conservation of biodiversity, plants and society, or ecology and environmental issues. Can be repeated for elective credit but not ISP credit as topics change. Fall, Spring.

An integrated lecture-lab course for nonmajors that explores biological topics through hands-on investigative activities. Will focus on a theme, such as marine biology or ecology. Can be repeated for elective credit but not ISP credit as topics change. Will satisfy the lab science requirement for education majors. Fall, Spring.

Students will learn basics in tropical marine biology through class and lab activities involving live marine organisms. The course requires a week-long field trip to the Turks and Caicos Islands for SCUBA diving, snorkeling, kayaking and other excursions. Become SCUBA certified on the trip if you are not already. Prerequisite: Permission of instructor. Spring.

Introduction to the life processes from the molecular to the physiological level using an integrated lecture and lab experience. Topics include the chemistry of macromolecules, cell structure and function, cellular respiration, photosynthesis, and gene expression. Use of experimental inquiry to integrate course content into a physiological context. Spring, Fall.

An integrated lecture-lab experience that introduces the basic principles of evolution and ecology. Students investigate the causes and consequences of organismal diversity, both within and among species. Lab and field projects teach the scientific method. Spring, Fall.

This integrated lecture-lab course explores the challenges and approaches currently used in marine conservation. This course emphasizes scientific literacy, interpretation of quantitative data, and critical thinking, and satisfies the lab science requirement for education majors. Occasionally.

There are a handful of disease-causing microbes on Earth that greatly affect human society. What makes these microbes deadly and how do we respond? This is an integrated lecture-lab course that addresses this topic. Satisfies the lab science requirement for education majors. Occasionally.

How do our resident animal species survive harsh New England winters? This integrated lecture-lab course will explore the physiological and behavioral strategies used by animals to endure the challenges of life in the cold. Satisfies the lab science requirement for education majors. Occasionally.

Exploration and analysis of major topics of biology, such as human genetics, algae and fungi, marine biology, freshwater ecology, and biological aspects of sexual reproduction. Prerequisite: permission of instructor.

Introductory work-learning experience related to career interests for which compensation may be received. Positions arranged by students with sponsorship, approval, and evaluation by full-time faculty. Elective credit only (normally 20 hours per credit) to maximum of 12 credits per degree program. Permission of instructor. Graded Pass/Fail.

An opportunity for a qualified student to explore work in an area of individual interest, selected and pursued in consultation with a faculty member. Consent required of the instructor, who will supervise the independent study. May be repeated to a total of 6 credits. Fall, Spring.

Topics in the biological sciences such as genetics, health, ecology, and others will be explored at an in-depth level. Socially relevant and ethical issues such as AIDS, genetic engineering, embryo research, environmental crises and other issues will be emphasized. Prerequisite: 24 credits in ISP, including ITW 101 and QL. Fall, Spring.

Advances in biomedical research have raised the prospect of using stem cells to regenerate lost or damaged body parts. This course explores the biology of this field and associated ethical and political issues. A laboratory project introduces the scientific method and the amazing regenerative ability of planarian flatworms. Prerequisite: 24 credits in ISP including ITW 101 and QL. Occasionally.

In this fully online course, students explore the fundamentals of evolution and its consequences for human behavior. We compare human behavior to the behavior of other animals as we examine alternative explanations for and controversies about the evolution of cooperation, conflict, mating, parenting and other human behaviors. Prerequisite: 24 credits in ISP including ITW 101 and QL. Occasionally.

This integrated lecture-lab course explores the basic concepts and mechanisms that explain the abundance and distribution of organisms, with a focus on mechanisms structuring populations and communities. Field and lab exercises emphasize the basics of sampling and experimental design, hypothesis formation, spreadsheet use, statistics, data presentation, and scientific writing. Prerequisites: BIO 311 and BIO 312. Fall.

Integrated lecture, laboratory, and field course focusing on vertebrate anatomy, physiology, behavior, ecology, natural history, evolution, systematics, and conservation. Students will become acquainted with local vertebrate communities and with primary research literature and research methods. Field trips may be required. Prerequisites: BIO 311 and BIO 312. Occasionally.

Integrated lecture, lab and field activities introduce important features of avian anatomy, physiology, behavior, life histories, breeding, ecology, conservation, evolution, and systematics. Students will gain experience in ornithological research and will practice species identification and field observation and reporting. Field trips may be required. Prerequisites: BIO 311 and BIO 312. Occasionally.

An integrated lecture-lab course exploring the processes that structure nearshore marine ecosystems. Required field and lab projects are used to teach experimental design, data analysis and scientific communication, as well as the identification and natural history of local marine organisms. Prerequisite: BIO 311, BIO 312, and BIO 313. Occasionally.

An integrated lecture-lab course that examines how interactions between genes, physiology, development, and the environment determine animal behavior; the adaptive value of behavior; and how behavior has changed over evolutionary time. This course will also involve exercises designed to instruct students in the process of conducting independent research in animal behavior. Prerequisites: BIO 311 and BIO 312. Occasionally.

An introduction to the microbial world emphasizing biological diversity. Topics include fundamentals of microbial cell biology, physiology, metabolism, genetics, evolution, classification and ecology. Laboratory experience emphasizes a research perspective and includes isolation, culture, enumeration, characterization and classification of microbes found in the environment. Prerequisites: BIO 311 and BIO 312. Occasionally.

An integrated lecture-lab experience exploring the relationship between structure and function of macromolecules and other biologically active compounds to metabolism and energy utilization of the cell. Practical experiences will introduce students to methodologies, analytical techniques, and data analyses associated with biochemical research. Prerequisites:
BIO 110, CHEM 221, and CHEM 222 or permission of instructor. Course also listed as CHEM 375. Fall.

Integrated lecture-lab experience covering the cellular and molecular basis of vertebrate adaptive immune response. Topics include structures and cells of the immune system, antibody formation and diversity, role of immune system in health and disease, and evolution of adaptive immunity. Applied immunology and disorders of immunity will also be covered. Prerequisites: BIO 311 and BIO 312. Occasionally.

An integrated lecture-lab course examining fundamental developmental phenomena, such as the differentiation and patterning of tissues and organs. Classic experiments in the field using a variety of model organisms will be discussed, and students will complete original laboratory research projects investigating the genetic basis of animal development. Prerequisites: BIO 311 and BIO 312. Occasionally.

An integrated lecture-lab experience that investigates how animals function in their environment through the comparison of different strategies for solving fundamental physiological problems, including those of gas exchange, food acquisition and digestion, maintenance of water and ion balance, and reproduction. Prerequisites: BIO 311 and BIO 312. Occasionally.

An exploration of endocrine systems and the hormonal regulation of physiological function in vertebrates and invertebrates. This integrated lecture-lab course will also investigate the phenomenon of endocrine disruption or how man-made chemicals are interfering with hormone function in animals, including humans. Students will read, analyze, and present primary scientific literature. Prerequisites: BIO 311 and BIO 312. Occasionally.

Exploration and analysis of major topics of Biology, such as microtechnique, vertebrate and invertebrate zoology, plant physiology, algae, and biological aspects of sexual reproduction. Prerequisite: Permission of instructor.

Sequential work-learning experience for which compensation may be received. Positions arranged by students with sponsorship, approval, and evaluation by full-time faculty. Elective credit (normally 120 hours per credit) to a maximum of 12 credits per degree program. Prerequisites: Permission of instructor. May be repeated for credit. Graded Pass/Fail.

Within the context of an overarching biological theme, students integrate and advance their experience and knowledge. Students will recognize their important roles as scientists in their communities and further enhance their research, critical thinking, and oral and written communication skills. This course prepares students for professional careers or postgraduate opportunities. Prerequisite: 12 credits of any 300- or 400-level BIO courses. Fall.

Advanced independent study related to experimental aspects of various fields of biology. The student is required to initiate a scholarly project and to submit a written progress report. One-hour conference. Prerequisites: Two advanced courses in biology. May be repeated as desired.